I’m standing outside The Bellagio watching more than 1,000 fountains gracefully dance in choreographed unison, waving along with the sounds of classical music as they shoot up 460 feet against the Las Vegas skyline. Suddenly, I get it. Sure, Vegas has seen its fair share of criticisms – it’s crowded, it’s crass, it plays to our lowest common denominator. But even the most jaded of visitors to the tourist-packed Sin City Strip would find it hard to deny the presence of sheer magic in the air.
As the self-described “Entertainment Capital of the World,” one of Earth’s most-visited tourism destinations attracts crowds for an infinite number of reasons, from buttoned-up business conventions to booze-fueled bachelor parties. But no matter what brings you here or which Cirque du Soleil show you are waiting on to start, everyone at some point sits down to place a bet. When gambling is a top priority on your trip, here are eight of the best casino resorts to book in Las Vegas.